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PRACTICE · MEMBERSIntermediate · Single correct

PRACTICE / Angular momentum

A torque graph can reverse a rotor

A rotor with constant inertia 2 kg·m² starts with angular velocity −2 rad/s. Its net torque rises linearly from zero at t=0 to +6 N·m at t=2 s, then falls linearly to zero at t=4 s.

Straight segments connect the net-torque observations.
t / sτ / N·m
00
26
40

What is its angular velocity at t=4 s?

Organize the givens & assumptions
  • Inertia: 2 kg·m²
  • Initial angular velocity: −2 rad/s
  • Net torque triangle: base 4 s, height 6 N·m

Fixed rotation axis and constant inertia; the plotted torque is the complete external torque about that axis.

  1. A+4 rad/s+4\ \mathrm{rad/s}
  2. B+6 rad/s+6\ \mathrm{rad/s}
  3. C+10 rad/s+10\ \mathrm{rad/s}
  4. D−4 rad/s-4\ \mathrm{rad/s}

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